White House Unconcerned by Netanyahu's Rejection of Trump's Gaza Plan, Sees Remarks as Election Rhetoric

The White House is not concerned by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's public rejection of President Donald Trump's proposed Gaza peace framework, with U.S. officials describing the remarks as part of Israel's domestic election campaign.

Netanyahu recently rejected Trump's 15-point "Board of Peace" proposal, which reportedly calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the complete disarmament of Hamas.

Despite the public criticism, senior U.S. officials said they are not alarmed by Netanyahu's position, arguing that his comments are driven largely by political considerations ahead of elections.

Speaking to Israel's Channel 12, a senior U.S. official said Washington understands Netanyahu's political constraints and remains focused on his actions rather than his public statements.

"We are not troubled by what the prime minister said. We understand his political needs," the official said. "As long as he continues to act in line with U.S. expectations, particularly by keeping military operations in Gaza under control, we have no issue."

According to U.S. officials, Israeli military strikes in Gaza have been suspended for the past five days, while Israeli forces have also refrained from advancing west of the so-called "Yellow Line" into deeper parts of the territory.

A report by Channel 12's U.S. correspondent Barak Ravid said Netanyahu spoke last week with Trump's envoy and son-in-law, Jared Kushner. During the conversation, Netanyahu reportedly expressed skepticism that Hamas would agree to disarm but said he was willing to give the 15-point proposal an opportunity.

As part of that understanding, Netanyahu is said to have agreed to limit military operations in Gaza and to keep Israeli troops from moving west of the Yellow Line, according to the report.

U.S. officials said Washington is closely monitoring developments in Gaza and believes Netanyahu has so far honored those commitments.

The officials added that the United States' message to Hamas is clear: with Israeli strikes halted for five consecutive days and Israeli forces remaining behind the Yellow Line, the time has come for Hamas to begin the disarmament process.